Graduate Academic Dress
All undergraduates and graduates students are subject to the University Ordinance regarding the wearing of academical dress, which is as follows: members of the University shall be required to wear their proper academical dress when attending University ceremonies in the University Church or in the Senate House, and at all other times which the Vice-Chancellor may, by public notice, direct that academic dress be worn.
Academical dress means the gown appropriate for an undergraduate or graduate. When academical dress is required by Ordinance, it is not sufficient merely to carry a gown, as opposed to wearing one. As well as on the occasions mentioned, gowns are also worn when calling on any University officer in his/her official capacity.
In College, gowns are worn in College Chapel, for formal meals in Hall (these being meals at which service is provided), for official College lectures and other public occasions of which notice is given.
Graduate Students
Research students who are graduates of other universities and who have not attained the age of 24, have the status of B.A. and wear the Cambridge B.A. gown but without the strings. Research students who are graduates of other universities and have attained the age of 24, have the status of M.A. so long as they are not eligible to proceed to a Cambridge degree. They wear the Cambridge M.A. gown without strings. (The "strings" are black ribbons attached to the front of the gown.)
Dress worn with Academic Dress
Students are expected to wear suitable clothes with the gown on any occasion when academical dress is demanded. Except for being presented for degrees, suitable clothes for men is taken as a suit with shirt, collar and tie, or trousers, blazer or sports jacket and collar and tie. Although Cambridge these days is very much more informal than it used to be, you will, during your time here, have to attend some formal occasions and at least two formal dinners. Dinner suits are preferred for formal dinners: but an ordinary dark suit will normally be adequate. You will need an ordinary lounge suit and a dinner suit at some stage. I thought I would mention this (probably obvious) point because, just occasionally, this is not fully appreciated until students arrive here.
For women, the wearing of smart, dark trousers (definitely not jeans) with a gown is allowed on most formal occasions. However, there are special regulations concerning the dress to be worn in the Senate House when being presented for a degree. This dress is notified at the time when you are proceeding to the degree.
Availability of Gowns
Some second-hand graduate gowns can be purchased upon your arrival from the Graduate Student Union – website: www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk
If all the second-hand gowns have been sold then some second-hand gowns can be obtained from the various robe-makers in Cambridge, but they need to be of the correct pattern for Girton College.
Graduates will need to purchase their gowns in time for the Matriculation Photograph, which will be held on Wednesday 5th October, further details will be given on arrival
Gowns must be worn on this occasion.
Dr J D Slater
Praelector